Language: A bridge for expression, connection

“Language plays an important role in building relationships. It’s where relationships begin.”

— Marivic Ihap, coordinator of the Quezon program, Philippines

Test your knowledge of languages spoken in Unbound

At Unbound, we invite people to learn more about each other’s lives in ways that promote mutual respect. In the midst of that expansion of mind and heart, the world becomes a gentler place and, maybe, a little more loving.

Language is key to friendships in Unbound. Sponsors receive their friends’ letters written in the language of their region, along with an English translation when needed.

Fun fact: 93 languages are spoken by families in Unbound.

Check out the country maps below and note the languages spoken in each country. Then take our five-question quiz at the end.

Spanish, Xinca, Garifuna and 21 Mayan languages

Spanish and various indigenous languages

Spanish, Aymara, Quechua, Guarani and

several dozen indigenous languages

Luganda, local languages and English

Kiswahili (Swahili), English and more than 40 other languages

Swahili, English and more than 120 other languages

Malagasy, English, French and various dialects

Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, English and various local

languages and dialects

Tagalog (Filipino), English and 185 local languages

Quick quiz

1. Malagasy is a rhythmic language, with long words and complex spellings like Antananarivo, Tana for short. Tana is the capital city of what island nation off Africa’s southeastern coast?

2. While Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, it’s not universally spoken or understood. Visitors to the central highlands will hear Kaqchikel, one of 21 languages of which indigenous people?

3. In the Philippines, Tagalog is the national language but is among 185 languages or dialects spoken. What is the other most common language of the Philippines?

4. A quarter of Bolivians speak indigenous languages such as Quechua, Aymara and Guarani. What language do most people in the South American country speak?

5. In which country in South Asia do people speak Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and English, among other languages?

Answers 1. Madagascar 2. Mayan 3. English 4. Spanish 5. India

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